Psalms 133
DOYLYVer. 2. It is like the precious ointment &c.] The happiness derived to all classes of the community from the establishment of unity, is here aptly compared to the holy oil, which diffuses sanctity and fragrance over the person and garments of the high priest.
—skirts] The original word does not signify “skirts,” but the upper part of the garment about the neck, near the beard. This garment was put over the head; and the neck part or collar, where the head came through it, is the part meant. Reeves.
Psalms 133:3
3.—the dew of Hermon.] Maundrell says, ‘We were sufficiently instructed by experience what the holy Psalmist means by “the dew of Hermon,” our tents being as wet with it as if it had rained all night.’
—the mountains of Zion:] These seem to be those mountains which stood round about Jerusalem. Rosenmüller.
—for there &c.] That is, God hath promised all kind of prosperity upon the dwelling of those who live together in unity. Green, Rosenmüller.
The colouring of the picture presented to us in this Psalm is much heightened by its being viewed in another light, as a representation of spiritual unity in the Church. The spirit of heavenly love was that oil of gladness which Jehovah poured without measure on Him who is the High Priest and Head of his Church. Insinuating and healing, comforting and exhilarating, it is diffused from Him over his body mystical, even down to the least and lowest members; “of his fulness have we all received.” Nor did the dew of heaven, in time of drought, ever prove more refreshing and beneficial to the mountains of Judah, than are the influences of Grace, when descending in soft silence from above upon the Church; in the union and communion of which, God hath “commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” Bp. Horne.
Psalms 133:10
10.—turn not away &c.] Do not reject the prayer of him, whom Thou hast consecrated to be king of thy people. Travell.
Psalms 133:11
- The Lord hath sworn &c.] That this is a prophecy of the Messiah, we have the authority of St. Peter to say, Acts ii. 30. This promise to David occurs, 2 Sam. vii. 12, and hath a twofold sense, relating to Solomon in type and shadow, to Christ in truth and substance. Bp. Horne.
Psalms 133:12
12.—for evermore.] The temporal kingdom of David continued in the line of David till the birth of Christ, when the spiritual kingdom commenced in the person of this Son of David, of which there shall be no end. Dimock.
- I will also clothe her priests with salvation: I will spread my protection and defence over her priests, which are consecrated to me. Bp. Holl.
Psalms 133:17
17.—the horn of David &c.] The “horn” and “lamp” signify the regal dignity of David. No sooner shall one of his successors fail, but another shall be raised up to succeed him. Green. The Jews confess that this verse mystically refers to Christ. Bp. Horne.
The vow which David had made to establish a fixed place of Divine service, was a striking mark of his piety. From hence great men, magistrates, and all men in general, ought to learn, that they should desire, with the greatest fervency, the glory of God, and his true worship, and promote them to the utmost of their power. The choice which God had made of Zion for the place of his worship, and the promises with which He had engaged to dwell there for ever, to bless and prosper it, are to be applied to the Christian Church, in which He dwells in a more particular manner, and wherein He is to be worshipped and adored unto the end of the world. We ought all of us continually to pray for the preservation of the Church, for a blessing on its ministers, and on all its members. Ostervald.
Psalm CXXXIII. This short but pleasing Psalm was composed either to recommend unity among the tribes of Israel, or to celebrate it when it had taken